Fender’s American Standard series guitars and basses have been upgraded for 2012, resulting in the latest iterations of the Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass. The new instruments now feature Fender Custom Shop pickups, as well as other new design touches.

Here's a video of Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci playing and discussing Ernie Ball's new Cobalt guitar strings. Ernie Ball recently announced the new line of electric bass and guitar strings, which is made out of cobalt, the most magnetically active material. Ernie Ball's patent pending advancement in technology stems from a nine-year pursuit in researching materials that give guitarists and bassists a new-and-improved voice.

Last night, after announcing a massive co-headlining North American tour with Motley Crue, hard rock legends Kiss took the stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform "Detroit Rock City" and "Calling Dr. Love." Watch both performances below.